These Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with lean ground chicken, shredded zucchini, and fresh herbs, these poppers are juicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy cilantro sauce adds a zesty, herbaceous flavor that complements the poppers perfectly, making this dish ideal for a light meal, appetizer, or snack. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s bursting with freshness and flavor!
Ingredients
Chicken Zucchini Poppers
- 1 pound ground chicken (at least 7% fat recommended for juiciness)
- 1-2 medium zucchini squash (about 1½ cups shredded)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking (such as olive oil or avocado oil)
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small clove garlic (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Zucchini Mixture : Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery poppers. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded zucchini, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Form the Poppers : Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1½ inches in diameter). Place them on a plate.
- Cook the Poppers : Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the poppers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the poppers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil if needed.
- Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce : In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and white vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting garlic to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy : Serve the warm chicken zucchini poppers with a side of creamy cilantro sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra chives or cilantro if desired.
Conclusion
These Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce are an incredibly flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for any occasion. The fresh cilantro sauce adds a delightful creaminess and zest, making these poppers even more irresistible. Serve them as a tasty appetizer, snack, or light meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Flavorful Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce
These Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy CilantroSauce are an incredibly flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for anyoccasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Zucchini Poppers
- 1 pound ground chicken at least 7% fat recommended for juiciness
- 1-2 medium zucchini squash about 1½ cups shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking such as olive oil or avocado oil
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small clove garlic adjust to taste
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Zucchini Mixture : Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery poppers. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded zucchini, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Form the Poppers : Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1½ inches in diameter). Place them on a plate.
- Cook the Poppers : Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the poppers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the poppers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil if needed.
- Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce : In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and white vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting garlic to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy : Serve the warm chicken zucchini poppers with a side of creamy cilantro sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra chives or cilantro if desired.